New Demo Promises Blazing Fast Boot Times in Windows 8

Although Windows 8 is not slated to hit the market before 2012, we’ve already begun to see glimpses of what we can expect from Microsoft’s next desktop operating system. The latest post on Microsoft’s blog demonstrates a dramatically improved boot time in the next iteration of the OS.

We’re talking about 8 seconds from the moment the machine is turned on until it’s fully booted — a vast improvement over most machines running earlier versions of Windows today.

Of course, the boot time won’t be this fast on all machines. Having a fast PC with a lot of RAM and an SSD instead of a HDD will help out tremendously.

Still, it’s nice to see that Microsoft is working to reduce long boot times, which is one of the most annoying aspects of computing for many users. Microsoft’s own data shows that 57% of desktop PC users and 45% of laptop users shut down their machines instead of putting them in sleep mode.

Microsoft provides a very detailed breakdown of how, exactly, the engineers did it — it’s a hybrid between traditional cold boot and resuming from hibernate.

The impatient should probably just check out the video below, which demonstrates this ultra-fast booting sequence in action.

How to Fix Your Crashed iMac

A crashed iMac is typically caused by hard drive failure, which prevents your computer from functioning due to a fatal error. In order to restore use of your desktop computer you can reset the parameter RAM (PRAM) to assist the computer in locating your hard disk. Your files are kept intact during the PRAM reset, but some settings including speaker volume and display settings are reset to its original settings. If the PRAM reset fails to fix your crashed iMac, the system installer utility on the computer's original installation disc can recover your hard drive.

Instructions

PRAM Reset

1 Press and hold down the "Power" on button the iMac until the computer shuts off.

2 Press "Power" to turn it on and hold "Command," "Option," "P" and "R" keys on the keyboard before the screen turns gray.

3 Hold the keys down while the iMac restarts, and continue to hold the keys until the computer restarts once more. The iMac's startup sounds plays during the PRAM reset to indicate it is restarting.

4 Release the keys and log in to your computer's account to return to the desktop.

Mac OS X Install DVD

1 Press "Power" on the iMac and insert the OS X Install DVD disc. Hold "Power" to turn off the computer, and press "Power" to turn it back on.

2 Hold "C" on the keyboard while the computer loads to boot the computer from the OS X Install disc.

3 Select your default language in the Installer window and click the right arrow.

4 Click the Utilities menu at the top of the screen and click "Disk Utility."

5 Click "First Aid" and click "Repair Disk." Click the Disk Utility menu and click "Quit Disk Utility" and click "Continue" to reinstall the operating system from the disc.

6 Click "Agree" in the license agreement window and click the hard disk icon. Click "Install" and select "Continue" once the operating system is installed.

7 Click "Restart" to restart the computer, which displays the registration screen once it has finished loading. Fill out the registration form, and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the computer's mandatory registration process.

Basic PC Troubleshooting- Session IV

Internet Connection Problems

1 Check the Ethernet cables connected to the PC, router and modem. Make sure the cables are securely plugged in to these devices. Make sure the router and modem are plugged into a power outlet or power strip.

2 Observe the lights on the front or top of the router and modem. If there are any orange or red lights present, reboot the router or modem. Unplug the device from the power source and allow it to remain unplugged for 10 to 30 seconds. Plug the device back in and allow it to boot up. Open a new Web browser window and test your connection.

3 Ask others around you if they are having similar problems, especially if they are using the same Internet Service Provider. Service interruptions can cause connectivity issues that affect a wide area of customers. 

Basic PC Troubleshooting- Session III

Sluggish Computer Performance

1 Open the "Task Manager" to see what programs are running in the background and how many resources are being used. Programs that use a large amount of system memory and processor time may require updating or removal.

2 Check the amount of free space left on your PC's hard drive. A full hard drive can potentially reduce overall performance. Click on the "Start" icon and select "Computer." Highlight and right-click the hard drive, then select "Properties" from the drop-down menu. If your PC is dangerously low on free space, delete unneeded files and programs to reclaim hard-drive space.

3 Scan your PC with an antivirus program. These programs help detect viruses and malware that can infect your PC and cause it to run at reduced performance.

4 Run a disk checking utility to check the integrity of the actual disk drive. Such programs are also able to repair most forms of data corruption or damage that may occur over time.

5 Run a defragmentation program to improve hard drive performance by reducing drive seek times. Defragmentation rearranges data on the hard drive in a more orderly fashion, reducing the effort required for the hard drive to find and use a file. Note that "Solid State" hard drives do not require defragmentation, due to their internal architecture.

Basic PC Troubleshooting- Session II

Multiple Computer Errors

1 Press "Alt + F4" to force-close a software program if it freezes up or stops working. If the program refuses to close, you may have to use the "Task Manager" to close the program or reboot the PC.

2 Hold "Ctrl + Alt + Del" to bring up the "Task Manager." Click the "Processes" tab, then scroll through the list to find the process name that represents the non-responsive program. Highlight the program and click "End Process." Click End Process again at the verification screen to force-close the selected program.

3 Restart the PC if it completely freezes or if an error page fills the entire screen. Some PCs may automatically restart after displaying an error page. Press the "Pause/Break" key to "hold" the error screen and write down the information displayed on the screen. You can use this information to search for more information and pinpoint the cause of the error. These causes can vary from an unstable program to a corrupted system driver.

Basic PC Troubleshooting- Session 1

 Most personal computers (PC) can run trouble-free for months, even years on end. Unfortunately, users encounter issues that range from the merely annoying to the catastrophic. If your PC is giving you trouble, there are steps you can take to solve most of the common issues that plague users. Knowledge of basic computer troubleshooting steps can help make it easier to identify and resolve these problems with the least amount of effort.

Instructions

Computer Startup Problems

1 Check the PC for any loose cables, connectors or power cords. A loose cable or connector can cause the PC to not start, since there is no electrical power being sent to the computer. Loose cables may also be the cause for non-functioning keyboards and monitors.

2 Check the power strip or surge protector, if you are using one. Make sure the device is turned on and working properly. If the PC is plugged directly to a power outlet, connect the PC to a different outlet and turn it on.

3 Make sure your monitor is turned on. When the monitor is off, it can lead people to think the rest of the PC is off, as well. If the power indicator light on the monitor is not on, press the power button to turn the device on.

I Forgot the Password to My Laptop: How Can I Get Back In?

Passwords for personal accounts should be easy to remember and written down in case they are forgotten. In cases where a password is not remembered, there are ways to recover or change the password in order to gain access. In Windows-based systems, logging in as the administrator, using a reset disc, reinstalling Windows, and in some cases, reformatting your computer will solve this problem.

Log in as Administrator

Restart your computer and log in as the Administrator to gain access to accounts. Administrator accounts are automatically created when Windows is installed on a computer. If there is no account listed, type in the word "Administrator" in the username box and leave the password box blank. Once logged into the computer, click the "Start" button and type in the run box "control userpasswords2" and click enter. Click the "Users" tab and click the name of the account you want to change the password for. Click "Reset Password" and then type in a new password. Retype the password for confirmation and click "OK." Reboot the computer and log in with your username and new password.

Password Reset Disk

Restart the computer. On the log in screen, click on the username that you forgot the password for and hit "Enter." Click "Use Your Password Reset Disk" and the password wizard will start. Click "Next" in the password reset wizard box, and insert your password reset disc into the cd drive. Click "Next" again. Type a new password into the "Type in a New Password" box then type the new password in again in the next box to confirm. Type in a hint for your password in the third box and click "Next." Click "Finish" to complete the process, and attempt to log into Windows again.

Safe Mode

Restart your computer and press the "F8" key as soon as the computer turns back on. In the options, arrow down to select "Safe Mode with Network Support" and press "Enter" on your keyboard. Click on the "Administrator" username. Once on the desktop, navigate to "Control Panel," click "Switch to Classic View" and double-click the "User Accounts" icon. Click on "Change Account" under "Pick a Task." Click on the user account you need to change the password for. Click on "Change My Password." Type in a new password, and then again to confirm. Click "Change Password" once more and restart your computer in Normal Mode and log in with your new password and user account.

Reinstall

If none of the above methods work, you will need to reinstall Windows or reformat your computer (if you do not have the back-up disc or product key). Reformatting will cause all your information, pictures and documents to be lost. Before attempting to reinstall Windows, be sure to have the product key or serial number of Windows or it will not install. Insert the installation disk and follow the setup wizard.

How to Delete Userinit.exe

Userinit.exe is a critical Windows system file. The file runs logon scripts, reestablishes network connections and starts Explorer.exe, the main Windows user interface. Consequently, deleting userinit.exe can cause significant system errors and is not recommended. Nevertheless, if the file has become corrupt, you may want to delete the file and install a fresh copy. This can be done using the Windows Command Prompt.

Instructions

1 Click "Start," type "cmd" into the search field and press "Enter." Type your administrator password if prompted. The Command Prompt opens.

2 Type the following commands into the Command Prompt. Press "Enter" after each command.

taskkill Userinit.exe

del Userinit.exe

3 Type "exit" and press "Enter" to close the Command Prompt.

How to Fix Your Laptop When It's Stuck at the Loading Screen

No need to panic if your laptop is stuck at the loading screen because you can easily restore it to normal using the resources that came with your system. Booting issues usually result from missing or corrupt files, or incompatible software on your system. It is convenient to use tools that are part of your Windows operating system to fix loading issues. You can have your laptop back to normal with a little troubleshooting.

Instructions

1 Place the Windows 7 installation disc into your CD-ROM drive. Restart your computer.

2 Press "Enter" when the "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD" message screen appears. Allow Windows to load the files.

3 Select your preferred settings from the Time and and currency format and Keyboard or input method boxes. Leave the Language box at English and click "Next" to continue.

4 Click "Repair your computer" toward the bottom of the screen at the next window. This will launch the System Recovery Options. Select the "Use recovery tools..." option, choose your operating system and then click "Next" at the next window.

5 Click "Startup Repair" at the System Recovery Options window. Allow the tool to scan your system for issues that are causing your laptop not to boot. Click "Next" to reboot your laptop. Windows should load like normal, but it may reboot several times on its own first.

How to Un-Hack a Hacked Network

Finding that your computer network has been hacked can feel like having your house burglarized. "Hacking" is the term used to describe an unauthorized user using a computer or network. Once a network has been hacked, it is evident that the hacker knows the security information needed to access the network. Therefore, changing the information is absolutely necessary.

Instructions

1 Ascertain that the network has been hacked. Most people start to see several converging clues, such as memory being used that isn't apparent on the computer or billable services being used or depleted. On a PC, one area to check is the MS Start-up Configuration utility. Click Start and type "msconfig" in the text box that appears at the bottom of the Start menu. Click on the Services tab and check the box next to "Hide All Microsoft Service" at the bottom. Disable any service labeled lSASS.exe. This is a file name commonly used by hackers who hope that the user will easily mistake the corrupt file name for the authentic system file name "lSASS.exe".

2 Click on the Broadband icon on your desktop. Under "Firewall", ensure only port 80, 8080 is enabled. Disable the rest. If your computer does not have a firewall icon, Windows users can fine theirs by opening the Start Menu and clicking on "Control Panel" and then on the "Windows Firewall" icon. Click on "incoming connections" to ensure that port 80, 8080 is enabled as above.

3 Change all passwords related to your computer and network, ensuring that the passwords are strong. A good rule of thumb is to ensure the passwords have at least 8 characters, and include a mix of numbers and uppercase and lowercase letters.

4 Change all passwords and PINs to personal accounts and financial information that are accessed through that computer. Hackers may have obtained sensitive information, and it is critical that they not be able to continue to access personal accounts.

5 Shut down all computers at night, if possible. Many hacking attacks occur overnight and over weekends and holidays, when people are least likely to be minding their networks.

Benefits of TFT Computer Screens

A type of display used on a variety of electronic devices including laptop and handheld computers, a thin film transistor screen delivers a picture quality superior to cathode ray tube displays. The computer screens are also smaller than CRT and other types of monitors and do not contain a traditional picture tube. TFT monitors work with an array of computer systems including PC, Mac and Linux systems.

1. Physical Benefits

   • TFT computer screens are smaller in size and weigh less than CRT monitors. The screens easily fit into tight spots and do not consume a large footprint like CRT monitors. TFT computer screens are available in a variety of sizes including 15, 17 and 19 inches, as well as from a variety of manufacturers. TFT computer screens are also available in wide-screen models.

   Resolution

   • The computer screens display images, pictures and text elements at a higher resolution -- the amount of pixels being shown -- than CRT monitors. The screens include controls for adjusting sharpness, color, brightness and contrast. TFT computer screens also display less glare than CRT and other types of monitors -- this results in less strain on your eyes,

   Power Consumption

   • TFT computer screens consume less electrical power than CRT monitors do. Many TFT computer screen models are ENERGY STAR-certified. The certification tells the buyer that the monitor has been tested by the US government's Department of Energy and found that it uses less electrical power than traditional CRT and other monitor types. TFT displays that have earned the ENERGY STAR are 20 percent more energy efficient than standard monitors, according to the Department of Energy.

   Availability

   • TFT computer screens are available at computer, electronics and retail stores as well as office supply stores. The monitors are also available from online outlets that specialize in computers and electronics. TFT computer screens vary in prices.

How to Make a Bad Hard Drive Work

A hard drive is responsible for storing your data and applications. If your computer's hard drive stops working properly, you may be unable to properly boot your operating system or access your data. Many issues can cause your hard drive to stop working properly but they can generally be sorted into two categories: hardware issues and errors. Hardware issues aren't user-repairable though drive errors can be typically be resolved with a quick disc check.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1 Restart your computer and hold "F8" as it boots back up. This will load an Advanced Boot Options menu.

2 Select "Repair your computer" by highlighting it with your arrow keys and pressing "Enter." Click "Next" to select the default keyboard settings.

3 Click "Command Prompt" to open a command prompt that can be used to repair your hard drive.

4 Type "chkdsk c: /r" in the command prompts and click "Enter." A utility will check your hard drive for any errors or inconsistencies, and will repair any issues it finds.

5 Wait while the disc is checked. A summary will be listed in the command prompt window when the process is complete. Restart your computer. Your drive's issues should be resolved.

How to Repair DHCP on My Computer

Fixing a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) error on your computer allows you to regain normal Internet connectivity. Most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and local networks use DHCP servers whose role is to allocate an Internet Protocol (IP) address to each connected computer. However, if your computer cannot communicate with the DHCP server, it might not receive an IP address and may therefore be unable to send or receive data. You can fix your DHCP server settings from within the Network and Sharing Center in Windows.

Instructions

1 Click on the "Network" icon in the tray notification area of your taskbar. Click on "Open Network and Sharing Center."

2 Click on "Change adapter settings" in the left-hand pane of the window.

3 Right-click on the network card that your computer normally uses to connect to the Internet or to the network. Select "Properties" in the contextual menu. Click on "Internet Protocol version 4" and select "Properties." Click on the radio buttons next to "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically." Click on "OK."

4 Click on "Internet Protocol version 6" and click on the same radio buttons. Confirm your settings by clicking on "OK."

5 Click on "Start." Type "cmd" in the search box and press the "Enter" key. This will open the Windows command prompt window. Type "/ipconfig registerdns," without the quotes, to refresh your DHCP settings.